Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-12665
Petition to Allow Intrinsically Safe Respirators in Fossil Rock Mine
Buyer
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Posted
June 24, 2026
Respond By
July 24, 2026
Identifier
2026-12665
NAICS
541690
This opportunity involves a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for a modification of safety standards at the Fossil Rock Mine in Utah. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors: - CleanSpace (manufacturer of EX Full-face or half-mask powered air-purifying respirators) - 3M (manufacturer of Versaflo TR800 PAPR and Ultimate FX Full-Facepiece Respirator) - Products/Services Requested: - CleanSpace EX Full-face or half-mask configuration, NIOSH-approved, intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) - 3M Versaflo TR800 PAPR, intrinsically safe, UL classified to ANSI/UL 6007911 - 3M Ultimate FX Full-Facepiece Respirator, non-battery-powered - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks to allow use of intrinsically safe PAPRs and full-face respirators in underground coal mining, citing the lack of MSHA-approved PAPRs on the market - Proposed equipment must meet internationally recognized hazardous-location safety standards - Operational safeguards include battery charging restrictions, use of manufacturer-approved charging equipment, mandatory training, and regular device inspections - The modification aims to maintain or improve miner protection against respirable dust exposure while ensuring compliance with safety principles
Description
This notice summarizes a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Fossil Rock Resources, LLC. The petition requests modification of the safety standard 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit the use of intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and specified full-face respirators in the Fossil Rock Mine. The petitioner argues that currently available MSHA-approved PAPRs are no longer manufactured, and the proposed devices meet equivalent safety standards. Comments on the petition must be received by July 24, 2026.